Ricky Gervais revealed that the third series will also include previously unheard audio from the three stars.

He said: "Karl is not only my best friend but also my gift to the world. This is my favorite series so far and it even features some previously unheard audio."

Channel 4's Head of Comedy Shane Allen added: "A very welcome return to E4 of these comedy masters. Their flights of fancy and infectious banter are a joy as Stephen and Ricky delve into the inner workings of Karl Pilkington's oddly wired brain".

The Ricky Gervais Show is produced for Channel 4 by Media Rights Capital in association with Wildbrain Entertainment.

Karl Pilkington will appear in his first acting role in Gervais's one-off comedy Derek, which airs on Channel 4 on Thursday, April 12 at 10pm.